Key events in 2019
In 2019, FHfF continued to implement its two-year programme of activities, including the launch of the Frome Area Community Land Trust (FACLT) and the Frome Landlords Association. Funding from the TDS Foundation for work relating to the private rented sector enabled FHfF to carry out a housing survey, reach out to renters and lodgers, and provide a programme of activities for landlords.
21 January WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD LANDLORD?
Launch of the Frome Landlords Association at Frome Town Hall. Presentation of its guiding documents and a guest speaker from the Ethical Landlords Association.
Feb-March FROME HOUSING SURVEY
Survey of 120 Frome residents, carried out at ASDA, Frome Library and the Independent Market, followed by a public meeting to discuss the concerns raised.
25 February HOW TO MANAGE A TENANCY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GO WRONG (1)
Training session with local housing expert Stephen Fowler organized by the Frome Landlords Association
8 – 10 April THE BIG RED HOUSING BUS
FHfF hired a double decker bus to tour around Frome during the first five days of the Easter holidays, talking to local people about their housing issues, signposting them to local services, and providing housing-related activities for families and children. Funded by popular vote in the Frome People’s budget.
13 May KEEPING YOUR PROPERTY UP TO STANDARD: HOW CAN MENDIP HELP?
Frome Landlords Association event featuring speakers from the MDC Private Sector Housing Team, Environmental Team and from Wessex Resolutions.
10 June WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A LANDLORD?
An opportunity for landlords to share their personal experiences. Included a screening of the Panorama documentary ‘Britain’s most controversial landlord’ plus a discussion about how landlords suffer from their poor public image. Organised by the Frome Landlords Association.
19 June BRIEFING FOR COUNCILLORS
Twelve councillors from Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council plus officers from Frome Town Council attended a meeting organized by FHfF to discuss shared concerns and how best to collaborate. Some of these councillors had been elected for the first time in the previous month.
1 August LAUNCH OF FACLT – FROME AREA COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Over 100 people came to a meeting at Frome Town Hall to mark the launch of FACLT, elect the first board of directors, and discuss its plans to create genuinely affordable community-led housing in Frome.
20 November HOW TO MANAGE A TENANCY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GO WRONG (2)
Training session with local housing expert Stephen Fowler organized by the Frome Landlords Association
2 December LEARNING FROM THE BRISTOL TINY HOUSES COMMUNITY
Presentation and discussion with Rachel Butler, who founded the Bristol Tiny Houses Community. The first in a series of events leading up to the Frome Tiny Homes Event in March 2020.